Ville Aslak
Raasakka
Ville Aslak Raasakka is a Finnish composer specialized in ecology. His works are based on bioacoustic recordings, environmental research and data from macroalgae, coal mines, soil insects, oil rigs, tree roots, power plants and marine microbes.
In 2026-27 Raasakka works on commissions for the Rainy days Festival (Philharmonie Luxembourg), Yarn/Wire (New York City), Riot Ensemble (London), Annette Bik (Klangforum Wien), Neue Vocalsolisten (Stuttgart) and the United Instruments of Lucilin (Luxembourg).
"The world premiere by Ville Raasakka picks up to denounce the lack of forest protection in Finland. 'The Harvest' lets a chainsaw massacre roar."
– Christoph Irrgeher, Wiener Zeitung
"An independent and convincing voice"
– Michael Rebhahn, Neue Zeitschirft für Musik
Engagements in 2025-2027
BBC Symphony Orchestra // London, United Kingdom
Rainy days Festival // Philharmonie Luxembourg
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival // United Kingdom
Yarn/Wire // New York City, United States
United Instruments of Lucilin // Luxembourg
Riot Ensemble // United Kingdom
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity // Banff, Canada
Neue Vocalsolisten // Stuttgart, Germany
ISCM World New Music Days // Lisbon, Portugal
Mivos Quartet // New York City, United States
Lorelei Dowling, bassoon, Klangforum Wien // Vienna, Austria
London Design Museum // London, United Kingdom
Kaisa Kortelainen, flute // Helsinki, Finland
Turku Philharmonic Orchestra // Turku, Finland
Annette Bik, violin, Klangforum Wien // Vienna, Austria
Chamber Orchestra Avanti! // Helsinki, Finland
Profile article written by journalist and musicologist
Tim Rutherford-Johnson (UK) for the
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival hcmf//
Upcoming Works
Thermal Movement for Thirteen (2026) 20'
for 13 Percussionist and Text Projection by
Media Theorist Jussi Parikka
Commissioned by the Rainy days Festival (Philharmonie Luxembourg) for the Yarn Wire (NYC), the Riot Ensemble (London)
and the United Instruments of Lucilin (Luxembourg)
Spider Listening – Studies for Violin (2027-28) 30'
Series of Studies for Violin
Commissioned by Annette Bik (Klangforum Wien), Vienna, Austria
New Work for Vocal Ensemble (2027)
for 7 Singers
Commissioned by the Neue Vocalsolisten (Stuttgart)
on a new text by Cia Rinne (FI/DE)
The Moss Slowly Growing (2026)
Album of Chamber Works for Flute
Kaisa Kortelainen (FI), flute, Tuija Hakkila (FI), piano and Petri Kumela (FI), guitar
What is it Like to be a Bat? (2027)
for Ensemble of 11 Musicians, more info t.b.a.
Values of Darkness (2027) 60'
Music for a contemporary dance work, Petri Kekoni Company, Erkko Hall, Dance House Helsinki
New Versions of Existing Works (2018-27)
Hong Kong New Music Ensemble, Hong Kong
The Weaver (2027) 80'
Opera on a Novel by Emmi Itäranta,
Commissioned by Ooppera Skaala, Helsinki
The Language of Fungi – Guitar Concerto (2028-29)
for Microtonal Guitar and Orchestra, commissioned by Petri Kumela
New Work (2029)
for Mixed Choir, more info t.b.a.
New Work (2029-30)
Opera, more info t.b.a.